Page 569 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - APRIL 2025 (Part 2)

4/10/25, 2:51 PM Latest News
UAE 2031’ vision.”

Leading National Initiatives
H.E. Al Mazrouei continued, “Our national efforts continue to focus on enhancing the UAE’s position in global

entrepreneurship competitiveness indicators and increasing the success rate of entrepreneurs from 30 per
cent to 50 per cent within the next decade. Aligned with the new entrepreneurship framework, these efforts

foster a culture of innovative entrepreneurship, offer comprehensive incentives for establishing business,
support growth enablers of promising SMEs, and strengthen their access to global markets from the UAE.”

$8.7 billion investment to enhance the competitiveness of the entrepreneurship ecosystem
According to the report, the entrepreneurship ecosystem in the UAE continues to thrive and make progress

globally, driven by supportive business and economic policies, strategic government initiatives, and a
competitive investment climate. A key factor in this success is the country’s investment of $8.7 billion under

the “Project of the 50” initiative, aimed at fostering innovation and the growth of SMEs. This initiative, along
with the country allowing 100 per cent foreign ownership of businesses and record-breaking foreign direct
investment inflows in 2023, continues to enhance the UAE’s position as a global hub for entrepreneurs.

High-Level Entrepreneurship Culture

The report highlighted that the entrepreneurship culture in the UAE is marked by a high level of awareness
and ambition among its people. Around 67 per cent of adults either know an entrepreneur or believe they

have the necessary skills to start a business. Additionally, 70 per cent of the UAE population sees strong
opportunities for launching a business locally, while 78 per cent of new entrepreneurs prioritise social and

environmental impact over profitability. Meanwhile, 75 per cent of early-stage entrepreneurs plan to expand
their teams, intending to hire at least six employees in the next five years. The report also revealed that 80
per cent of entrepreneurs plan to integrate technology into their business operations, and 78 per cent of new

entrepreneurs are eager to build significant wealth or earn a high income. Moreover, 55 per cent of UAE
entrepreneurs cater to clients outside the UAE market, reinforcing the country’s position as a global business

and investment hub.

UAE ranks first globally in the “National Entrepreneurship Context Index”
The UAE also secured top spot globally in GEM’s National Entrepreneurship Context Index (NECI), reflecting

the strength of the country’s entrepreneurial environment, which was evaluated based on a points system
derived from the opinions of entrepreneurship experts. This contributes to reinforcing the UAE's vision of
reaching one million SMEs by 2031.

The release of this report coincided with the 25th anniversary of GEM, a leading global organisation in the

field of entrepreneurship. Recognised by leading international bodies such as the World Bank, the

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